Dark Choices: The Quandary (The Children Of The Gods Paranormal Romance Series Book 41)

by I. T. Lucas

  It was Rufsur’s fault, or rather her obsession with him. She’d known it was a bad idea to indulge her cravings and invite him to her bed one more time. Letting him spend the night had been even worse. It had felt too good to wake up in his arms, and letting go had been painfully difficult.

  She was weak.

  She should have cut the cord when it had been only a thread.

  Swiveling her chair around, Edna looked out the window at the village square and the café, which was quite busy this time of day. Lately, she’d been working mostly from her clan office rather than the city one that served her human clients. Kian had been keeping her busy with one contract after the other, and she had no choice but to refuse to accept new cases.

  At least for the time being.

  She missed her relative anonymity in the human world. It was liberating to interact with people who didn’t know about her probing ability and didn’t fear her. She even missed Lora. In her absence, her secretary was holding the fort, taking messages, forwarding phone calls, and providing notary services.

  Perhaps by straddling both worlds, she was spreading herself too thin.

  Keeping as busy as possible had been a good strategy that had kept Edna sane and prevented her from spending too much time in her own head. But then Rufsur had barreled through all her defenses, demolishing her carefully and rigidly structured world, and bringing a fresh scent into her stale life.

  She was going to miss him.

  As a golf cart stopped in front of the clinic, Edna pushed to her feet so she could have a better viewing angle. Could it be that one of the two resident Dormants was already transitioning?

  She hoped that was the case and not a medical emergency.

  Edna’s heart squeezed with worry. In a village of immortals who never got sick, the only such emergencies could be Syssi encountering complications with her pregnancy or little Ethan getting ill.

  When she saw Jin and Jacki assisting Wendy out of the cart, Edna let out a long, relieved breath.

  Wendy was either sick or transitioning, probably the latter.

  Returning to her chair, she lifted the contract, but then her phone rang.

  She picked it up without checking the caller. “Edna here.”

  “Hi.” Rufsur’s voice made her heart squeeze again for a very different reason than before. “I thought that you would like to know that Wendy is transitioning.”

  “I just looked out my window and saw her arriving at the clinic. It’s good to know that she’s transitioning and not sick.”

  “Are you working in the office building today?”

  “Yes. I have contracts that I need to go over.”

  “Can you take a break? I would love to have a cup of coffee with you at the café.”

  That was such a bad idea, but Edna felt powerless to refuse. “When can you get here?”

  “Ten minutes.”

  She chuckled. “You’ll have to run to make it in ten.”

  “I intend to. I don’t want to waste time that I could be spending with you.”

  Edna choked up but forced her tone to remain steady. “I’ll order us cappuccinos. How do you like yours?”

  “I don’t really care. Black coffee is good enough for me.” Given his labored breathing, Rufsur was already running.

  “I’ll see you here.” She disconnected the call and closed her eyes for a moment.

  They were both acting silly. It wasn’t as if they were parting forever for Fates' sakes. He was coming back in two weeks.

  Pushing away from the desk, Edna grabbed her wallet, stuck it in her jacket pocket, and headed out.

  As she felt an absurd urge to free her hair from its tight bun and open the top two buttons of her shirt, Edna realized how deeply in trouble she was and resisted the impulse.

  Her drab appearance was her shield, her armor, and she couldn’t afford to discard it. Especially now.

  78

  Rufsur

  About a hundred feet away from the café, Rufsur slowed down from a sprint to an energetic walk. As it was, people had been giving him funny looks, especially since Jay was behind him, and it looked as if the Guardian was chasing him.

  “You have it bad, my man.” Jay fell into step with him. “What’s the rush? She’s not going anywhere.”

  Rufsur cast him a sidelong glance. “I like you, Jay, I really do, but I’d appreciate it if you shut up and let me think. And when we get to the café, please sit somewhere that is far enough away not to eavesdrop on our conversation.”

  “Good luck with that. The place is not reserved for you exclusively. At this time of day, it’s not packed, but it’s not deserted either.”

  Rufsur cast him another glare.

  “Fine. I’ll shut up and keep my distance.”

  As he cleared the bend, Rufsur spotted Edna right away, sitting at a table that was on the edge of the enclosure. She was back to wearing her unflattering business clothes, and her hair was gathered in a tight bun.

  Except, she could no longer fool him. He knew what she looked like under the disguise, and that was mighty fine.

  He couldn’t help the smile blossoming on his face. It was like he was privy to a secret that Edna had shared only with him. To the clan, she was the austere judge and alien probe. To him, she was a delight.

  She smiled back. “You seem happy.”

  He pulled out a chair and sat across from her. “I am.”

  “Care to share the reason why? I could do with cheering up.”

  He was glad that she admitted to agonizing about his departure. Unless she was referring to something else.

  “Has something happened? Or are you just sad about me leaving?”

  “The second one, although I shouldn’t tell you that and embolden you further. You are tenacious enough as it is.”

  He leaned forward. “Admit it. You like that about me.”

  She nodded. “You know that I do. Now tell me what that smile was all about.”

  He leaned even closer. “The secret you shared with me.”

  Edna arched a brow. “And what might that be?”

  “That you are a hot babe under this disguise. I like it that I’m the only one who knows what you’re hiding. Your clan sees only what you show them. The strict judge, the uncompromising councilwoman, and the intrusive alien probe. You keep everyone at a distance.”

  “And what do you see?”

  “I see a woman. Beautiful, soft, gentle, compassionate, and very smart. I see the future mother of my children.”

  Edna pulled back. “Please don’t do that, Rufsur. You don’t have to tempt me with empty promises, so I’ll allow you in my life.”

  “Why empty? I’ve been told that Merlin has found a solution to our fertility problem. Don’t you want a child? One that will have a father to raise him or her alongside you?”

  A tear slid down Edna’s pale cheek. “I gave up on that dream such a long time ago.”

  He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. “I’ve never even dreamt of having a child because for me the option didn’t exist. But things have changed, and now we can both do more than hope and dream. We can make it a reality.”

  Edna sighed. “Perhaps one day we will. We are not even in love, Rufsur. We are in lust. For now, dreaming and hoping will have to suffice.”

  “I’m not in a rush.” He turned her hand up and kissed her palm. “First comes the idea.” He kissed her pointer finger. “Then comes love.” He kissed another finger. “And then the hope.” He kissed another one. “And then comes the plan.” He kissed her pinky. “And before you know it, the dream becomes a reality.”

  “I wish it was that simple.”

  “It is.”

  COMING UP NEXT

  The Children of the Gods Book 42

  Dark Choices Paradigm Shift

  To read the first 3 chapters

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  The Children of the Gods Series

  THE CHILDREN OF THE GODS ORIGINS

  1: Goddess’s Choice

  When gods and immortals still ruled the ancient world, one young goddess risked everything for love.

  2: Goddess’s Hope

  Hungry for power and infatuated with the beautiful Areana, Navuh plots his father's demise. After all, by getting rid of the insane god he would be doing the world a favor. Except, when gods and immortals conspire against each other, humanity pays the price.

  But things are not what they seem, and prophecies should not to be trusted...

  THE CHILDREN OF THE GODS

  1: Dark Stranger The Dream

  Syssi's paranormal foresight lands her a job at Dr. Amanda Dokani's neuroscience lab, but it fails to predict the thrilling yet terrifying turn her life will take. Syssi has no clue that her boss is an immortal who'll drag her into a secret, millennia-old battle over humanity's future. Nor does she realize that the professor's imposing brother is the mysterious stranger who's been starring in her dreams.

  Since the dawn of human civilization, two warring factions of immortals—the descendants of the gods of old—have been secretly shaping its destiny. Leading the clandestine battle from his luxurious Los Angeles high-rise, Kian is surrounded by his clan, yet alone. Descending from a single goddess, clan members are forbidden to each other. And as the only other immortals are their hated enemies, Kian and his kin have been long resigned to a lonely existence of fleeting trysts with human partners. That is, until his sister makes a game-changing discovery—a mortal seeress who she believes is a dormant carrier of their genes. Ever the realist, Kian is skeptical and refuses Amanda's plea to attempt Syssi's activation. But when his enemies learn of the Dormant's existence, he's forced to rush her to the safety of his keep. Inexorably drawn to Syssi, Kian wrestles with his conscience as he is tempted to explore her budding interest in the darker shades of sensuality.

  2: Dark Stranger Revealed

  While sheltered in the clan's stronghold, Syssi is unaware that Kian and Amanda are not human, and neither are the supposedly religious fanatics that are after her. She feels a powerful connection to Kian, and as he introduces her to a world of pleasure she never dared imagine, his dominant sexuality is a revelation. Considering that she's completely out of her element, Syssi feels comfortable and safe letting go with him. That is, until she begins to suspect that all is not as it seems. Piecing the puzzle together, she draws a scary, yet wrong conclusion...

  3: Dark Stranger Immortal

  When Kian confesses his true nature, Syssi is not as much shocked by the revelation as she is wounded by what she perceives as his callous plans for her.

  If she doesn't turn, he’ll be forced to erase her memories and let her go. His family's safety demands secrecy – no one in the mortal world is allowed to know that immortals exist.

  Resigned to the cruel reality that even if she stays on to never again leave the keep, she'll get old while Kian won’t, Syssi is determined to enjoy what little time she has with him, one day at a time.

  Can Kian let go of the mortal woman he loves? Will Syssi turn? And if she does, will she survive the dangerous transition?

  4: Dark Enemy Taken

  Dalhu can't believe his luck when he stumbles upon the beautiful immortal professor. Presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity to grab an immortal female for himself, he kidnaps her and runs. If he ever gets caught, either by her people or his, his life is forfeit. But for a chance of a loving mate and a family of his own, Dalhu is prepared to do everything in his power to win Amanda's heart, and that includes leaving the Doom brotherhood and his old life behind.

  Amanda soon discovers that there is more to the handsome Doomer than his dark past and a hulking, sexy body. But succumbing to her enemy's seduction, or worse, developing feelings for a ruthless killer is out of the question. No man is worth life on the run, not even the one and only immortal male she could claim as her own…

  Her clan and her research must come first…

  5: Dark Enemy Captive

  When the rescue team returns with Amanda and the chained Dalhu to the keep, Amanda is not as thrilled to be back as she thought she'd be. Between Kian's contempt for her and Dalhu's imprisonment, Amanda's budding relationship with Dalhu seems doomed. Things start to look up when Annani offers her help, and together with Syssi they resolve to find a way for Amanda to be with Dalhu. But will she still want him when she realizes that he is responsible for her nephew's murder? Could she? Will she take the easy way out and choose Andrew instead?

  6: Dark Enemy Redeemed

  Amanda suspects that something fishy is going on onboard the Anna. But when her investigation of the peculiar all-female Russian crew fails to uncover anything other than more speculation, she decides it's time to stop playing detective and face her real problem—a man she shouldn't want but can't live without.

  6.5: My Dark Amazon

  When Michael and Kri fight off a gang of humans, Michael gets stabbed. The injury to his immortal body recovers fast, but the one to his ego takes longer, putting a strain on his relationship with Kri.

  7: Dark Warrior Mine

  When Andrew is forced to retire from active duty, he believes that all he has to look forward to is a boring desk job. His glory days in special ops are over. But as it turns out, his thrill ride has just begun. Andrew discovers not only that immortals exist and have been manipulating global affairs since antiquity, but that he and his sister are rare possessors of the immortal genes.

  Problem is, Andrew might be too old to attempt the activation process. His sister, who is fourteen years his junior, barely made it through the transition, so the odds of him coming out of it alive, let alone immortal, are slim.

  But fate may force his hand.

  Helping a friend find his long-lost daughter, Andrew finds a woman who's worth taking the risk for. Nathalie might be a Dormant, but the only way to find out for sure requires fangs and venom.

  8: Dark Warrior’s Promise

  Andrew and Nathalie's love flourishes, but the secrets they keep from each other taint their relationship with doubts and suspicions. In the meantime, Sebastian and his men are getting bolder, and the storm that's brewing will shift the balance of power in the millennia-old conflict between Annani's clan and its enemies.

  9: Dark Warrior’s Destiny

  The new ghost in Nathalie's head remembers who he was in life, providing Andrew and her with indisputable proof that he is real and not a figment of her imagination.

  Convinced that she is a Dormant, Andrew decides to go forward with his transition immediately after the rescue mission at the Doomers' HQ.

  Fearing for his life, Nathalie pleads with him to reconsider. She'd rather spend the rest of her mortal days with Andrew than risk what they have for the fickle promise of immortality.

  While the clan gets ready for battle, Carol gets help from an unlikely ally. Sebastian's second-in-command can no longer ignore the torment she suffers at the hands of his commander and offers to help her, but only if she agrees to his terms.

  10: Dark Warrior’s Legacy

  Andrew's acclimation to his post-transition body isn't easy. His senses are sharper
, he's bigger, stronger, and hungrier. Nathalie fears that the changes in the man she loves are more than physical. Measuring up to this new version of him is going to be a challenge.

  Carol and Robert are disillusioned with each other. They are not destined mates, and love is not on the horizon. When Robert's three months are up, he might be left with nothing to show for his sacrifice.

  Lana contacts Anandur with disturbing news; the yacht and its human cargo are in Mexico. Kian must find a way to apprehend Alex and rescue the women on board without causing an international incident.

  11: Dark Guardian Found

  What would you do if you stopped aging?

  Eva runs. The ex-DEA agent doesn't know what caused her strange mutation, only that if discovered, she'll be dissected like a lab rat. What Eva doesn't know, though, is that she's a descendant of the gods, and that she is not alone. The man who rocked her world in one life-changing encounter over thirty years ago is an immortal as well.

  To keep his people's existence secret, Bhathian was forced to turn his back on the only woman who ever captured his heart, but he's never forgotten and never stopped looking for her.

  12: Dark Guardian Craved

  Cautious after a lifetime of disappointments, Eva is mistrustful of Bhathian's professed feelings of love. She accepts him as a lover and a confidant but not as a life partner.

  Jackson suspects that Tessa is his true love mate, but unless she overcomes her fears, he might never find out.

  Carol gets an offer she can't refuse—a chance to prove that there is more to her than meets the eye. Robert believes she's about to commit a deadly mistake, but when he tries to dissuade her, she tells him to leave.

  13: Dark Guardian’s Mate

  Prepare for the heart-warming culmination of Eva and Bhathian's story!

  14: Dark Angel's Obsession